Disposable, Lightweight, Protective Germ Barrier for Infant Carriers

ABSTRACT

A barrier element for an infant carrier inhibits germs from getting into contact with an infant within the carrier while allowing for air passage and thus ease of infant breathing. The protective element comprises a cover formed of substantially germ-blocking material, preferably a sandwich-like composite of spunbond, meltblown and spunbond polypropylene material with a BFE of no less than about 95% with a differential pressure of no more than about 4. It is breathable to allow air to pass therethrough, preferably has a transparent window and is provided with an elastic to secure the barrier element to the infant carrier and allow for selective and easy/quick removal. The device is lightweight, inexpensive, easy to put on and over the infant carrier and after use is intended to be discarded.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority upon US provisional utility patentapplication Ser. No. 61/125,386 filed Apr. 24, 2008, the content ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of protection of youngchildren, principally newborns, infants, and toddlers (hereinafter oftencollectively referred to as “newborns” or “infants”) from airbornegerms, viruses, disease, bacteria, dirt and/or infection as aconsequence of coming into contact with air-borne pathogens, otherchildren, newborns, toddlers, infants, even adults, etc. Morespecifically, the present invention is a disposable, hopefullyinexpensive, preferably lightweight barrier or cover for an infantcarrier, baby carriage, stroller, etc. (hereinafter collectivelyreferred to as “infant carrier”) which barrier serves to protect thechild from exposure to the germs or potential disease of thesurroundings.

The importance of reducing newborns and infant exposure to germs anddiseases during their first few months of life or years, due to immatureimmune systems, is well documented in medical journals and parentingjournals. The current invention relates to a disposable, preferablylightweight cover adapted for a tight/secure fit to an infant carrierwhich will serve to help decrease an infant's premature exposure todisease and germs. This can be especially important as the newborntravels within and through otherwise, relatively highly contaminatedpublic areas (like shopping malls; schools (dropping off an eldersibling); pediatrician's offices for well-care checkups, etc.). Often,the newborn is transported or carried in an infant carrier, a shell-likepiece of hard plastic that has a handle which allows the device toconvert from a) a simple carrying cradle with handle extending upwardlyfor the adult to hold to b) a reclining seat for the infant when thehandle swings back behind the shell to provide a support for the device.The present invention is expected to be especially useful in highlycontaminated public areas, as, for example, hospitals, pediatricianoffices, malls, restaurants, schools, day care centers, etc.

2. Additional Background and Description of the Prior Art

When newborns are first born they are often placed in tiny incubatorswithin the hospital's nursery. The newborns are often substantiallyisolated from the general population for at least a few hours, if notdays, to ensure that they are not prematurely exposed to the germs,viruses, bacteria, dirt, pathogens, etc. of the general population. Thenewborn's immunity systems are not yet “mature” so that the isolationfrom the general population is highly desirable so that the germs,diseases, dirt, etc. of the outside world is slowly introduced to thenewborn, over time and as the newborn ages and physically matures. Theinitial isolation is generally accomplished by the use of a simpleseparate room in the hospital, often with other newborns, with a glasswall separating the newborns from adults and other children (parents,siblings, and other visitors). The barrier wall is intended to isolatethe newborns and, yet, the window feature allow the others to still seethem and for the newborns to view outwardly, i.e., be visuallystimulated. The glass window of the wall allows the newborns to see theoutside environment and to experience some initial visual interactionwith people and things.

The present invention is intended to provide a disposable, lightweight,inexpensive, protective barrier for newborns, even after they leave thehospital after birth, which barrier also allows the child to see theoutside environment. The protective and preferably disposable germbarrier is, of course, air permeable and does not impact on thebreathing of the child but otherwise blocks the passage of air-bornepathogens, disease, germs, dirt, etc. The barrier is intended toelastically surround and be secured to an infant carrier. It ispreferably lightweight, inexpensive and disposable. It should be adaptedto snugly fit over the infant carrier to provide a germ-free environmentfor the infant. Yet, after the child leaves the potentiallycontaminating environment (pediatrician's office, mall, day care centerof a sibling, etc.) the protective barrier can be disposed of so thatany germs entrapped in the isolating mesh will be discarded and not comeinto contact with the infant when he/she is removed from the infantcarrier.

Young children are often held in strollers, baby carriages, and portableinfant carriers. The strollers and baby carriages have been provided inthe past with elastically-secured mesh nets to separate the childrenwithin the strollers and carriages from aspects of the environment.

More specifically the nets are intended to ensure that animals, bugs,and, to some extent, people do not encroach on the child's safety andspace. These nets are intended to protect the child and, yet, aresufficiently open-meshed as to allow the child to see out and be visiblyengaged with the outside environment. The open mesh, while serving thedual purpose as described of allowing the child to see out and yet beingsmall enough as to ensure that bugs do not come through, do not preventthe passage of bacteria, germs, pathogens (hereinafter oftencollectively referred to as “germs” }, and thus disease from the outsideworld may easily come into contact with the child. Those nets, asmentioned, are not meant to block germs from contact with newborns. Theyare not meant to be disposable. Disposal of a protective barrier is animportant feature when one is dealing with germs, especially where theinfant will be taken out of the infant carrier, at some point afterhe/she is in the risky environment. Thus there appears to be a very realneed for a device which is inexpensive, disposable, lightweight and,yet, capable of being used with newborns in their personal carriers, allof different shapes and sizes, and which prevents germs from gainingaccess to the newborn, whether by direct contact or even through the airand into the newborn's respiratory system and, yet, the child still getsthe benefit of being able to see the world and the outside world is ableto see the child. Such a device, to be practical, needs to allow easybreathing of air by the child and also be capable of entrapping orblocking germs from gaining access to the newborn within the carrier.The device also needs to be sufficiently easy and flexible in placementso as to allow it to be capable of being quickly secured and removed,i.e., used with infant carriers of differing sizes and shapes. Thepresent invention accomplishes the desired goals and objects of such agerm barrier for an infant carrier.

Surgical face masks to prevent the passage of germs from patient tophysician and from physician to patient, as for example, between peoplewithin the operating room are currently available and in use. Thosesurgical face-covering-only masks have also been used by parents,siblings and visitors to protect newborns when they are first visited byothers, whether the newborns are still in the hospital and/or initiallymoved into their home. The mesh of the surgical masks is open to alloweasy breathing of air yet sufficiently tight (provided with smallopenings) to block air-borne germs from reaching the wearer. Thepathogens or germs are not expected to pass through to the wearer sincethe germs will be prevented from passing through the mask as they aretrapped by the mesh of the surgical mask. Those surgical masks generallycover only the mouth and nose of the wearer and are held on the wearer'shead by ribbons of fabric or paper which tie the mask to the wearer'shead or, alternatively, the sides of the mask are provided with elasticloops which are stretched over and behind the wearer's ears. Thosesurgical masks would not be satisfactory for a newborn child. There isthus a need for a disposable, protective device which can easily beplaced on and removed from an infant carrier and protect the infant fromgerms and, yet, allows for quick removal from the infant carrier anddisposal.

Hazmat workers have been provided with germ protective suits and hoodscomprising over-the-head gear and a clear plastic window for allowingthe wearer to see out and for others to see the wearer's face. However,those suits are very bulky and expensive. Also, the Hazmat suits aremeant, clearly, to fit over the torso of the individual and thus need tobe somewhat form-fitted to the wearer. Those suits, even if downsizedfor an infant, would not be practical for use with newborns. There seemsa real need for a protective device capable of being easily secured toan infant carrier to protect an infant contained therein from airbornegerms. The device should be disposable and thus needs to be inexpensive.It should be capable of being easily placed on the carrier and thenremoved so that the infant can be removed, as desired for holding,fondling, eating, etc. without contaminating the child with the germsentrapped in the barrier. The device should also be capable of beingsecured to a variety of differently sized and shaped infant carriers asthere are many manufacturers and a one size fits all approach seems tobe practical for a barrier manufacturer. Of paramount importance,however, the device needs to be effective in preventing airbornepathogens from coming into contact with the infant and yet allow theinfant to breath air normally, all at the same time allowing the infantto be viewed and the infant to see out of the protective device. Thepresent invention accomplishes these objects and others.

Providing such a device will allow the parents of the newborns to beconfident about moving the infant outside of the hospital and homewithout fear of the newborn unnecessarily coming into contact with thegerms of others. This will allow the child to safely and conveniently bemoved about, even into those environments which are considered risky inso far as the probable presence of unhealthy germs. For example, theparents can take the newborn to the pediatrician's offices for awell-care visit even though the same waiting room is filled with olderchildren, some of which may be sick or even ill with communicablediseases. The device should be inexpensive so that it can be disposedafter the visit to the otherwise risky location. The device needs to belightweight, allow for easy donning on the infant carrier, easy removal,and yet allow for ease of breathing. As mentioned, the device needs toallow the baby to be viewed and the baby to view the world from withinthe protective cover.

In view of the recommendation of pediatricians to limit newborn exposureto germs (0 to 8 weeks) to prevent infection and risk of complicationsassociated with fever and infections, parents and caregivers use variousmethods to protect babies when their presence in germ-rich environmentsis unavoidable. The common use of baby blankets, covers, wraps, andgeographical manipulation (moving in the waiting room of the doctors'offices to the farthest corner, away from the other children and theirparents and/or waiting in the car outside the office until one's name iscalled for seeing the pediatrician) are just not always practical. Nordo these methods provide adequate filtration from dangerous germs whenthe baby is moved into and through the risky environment, i.e., thewaiting room. This often leaves caregivers and medical personnel nervousand uncomfortable about the possible germ exposure and resulting risk ofinfections in such situations. Evidence of this concern can be seen inmedical offices (especially pediatrician's offices) where infants andsick children are held in separate waiting rooms, those for the ill andthose at the offices for well-care visits. Alternatively, the physicianstry to schedule visits of healthy yet newborn children at differenttimes than the sick children. Also, some caregivers actually choose towait outside medical offices instead of waiting with their newbornsinside of traditional waiting rooms. These methods are often impracticaland difficult to implement. They are not always effective.

There are, at present, infant carrier covers on the market. However, thepresent invention is considered a significant and patentable improvementin comparison to the commercially available barriers/protective coversin that the present invention is inexpensive, desirably disposable, madeof high efficiency bacteria and germ filtering material, and elasticallymaintained over and around the carrier. The present invention isintended for single use. Cross contamination will not occur between sickor ill or merely germ-carrying individuals and these otherwise healthynewborns. The present invention provides fewer openings for introductionof germs, is compact, lightweight and can be easily transported. Theuser-friendly design allows for quick application about the infantcarrier and for easy and quick removal for discarding, after use. Theviewing window allows for constant visual monitoring and visualinteraction with the infant and allows the infant to see the outsideworld even while being protected from germs.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved method to reduce the exposure of infants to germs whichseemingly has few if any of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is animprovement over the prior art in that the protective barrier isdesirably and preferably made from a high efficiency composite filteringmedia designed to impede the movement of small particles and germs fromone side of the barrier material to the other side. The inexpensive,disposable and lightweight nature of the present invention discouragesand minimizes cross contamination in that a new cover/protective barrierwill be used in each new germ-rich or risky environment. Prior art andavailable related devices were made of cotton, plastic, and othermaterials which have not provided for air passage for ease of breathingand do not provide the combination of breathability, light-weight designand yet germ filtration i.e., preventing the passage of air-bornepathogens and germs.

It is an important aspect of the present invention that the protectivebarrier for the infant carrier be made of breathable material, allowingfor the easy and plentiful passage of air, so that the child can breathnormally and the temperature of the environment within which the infantis located when held within the infant carrier is comfortable, and, yet,the mesh of the material, while allowing for air to pass through forcomfort, blocks the passage of germs.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,421 to Roh issued in 2000 and shows a protectivecover for a baby seat of the infant carrier type. Turning attention toColumn 7 of the written specification, line 42+ a protective cover isdescribed as having a canopy 11, a sealing element 24 (which can includean elastic band or a drawstring to seal the canopy about the baby seat(see Column 4, lines 47+), mesh 15 serving as a window, and a hood 20(see FIGS. 11 and 2d). The mesh is described as insect resistant. Thereis neither a teaching nor suggestion of having the mesh sufficientlysmall or tight so as to allow for air passage but block the passage ofairborne pathogens or germs. Indeed, in Column 10, lines 57+ thedescription indicates that an open portion of the side mesh can provideair flow. That is, however, accomplished by uncovering the side of thecarrier. Clearly that device is not concerned with a germ barrier. Theopaque portion of the layer 41 is described as being durable andwashable which is distinct from the present invention which is intendedto be lightweight, disposable, and inexpensive. Furthermore, the presentinvention is substantially breathable i.e., allows for air passage inboth directions (except for the clear window). Column 11, lines 6+ ofthe '421 Patent to Roh also describes that the nylon canopy can bebreathable and yet still resist inclement weather, such as rain, sleetand snow. Thus, the Roh patent suggests the mesh being large enough forbreathing and yet small enough to prevent rain from passing through.However, there is neither a teaching nor suggestion of a multi-ply orcomposite material (like a sandwich) barrier, with a stretch/elastic forsecuring the same to an infant carrier, which is adapted for one-timeusage, and allows for breathing and yet prevents air-borne pathogens,germs and dirt from passing therethrough.

U.S. Pat. No 6,056,355 relates to an infant seat cover. It shows anelasticized opening 28 (see FIG. 5) formed with elastic 16. This holdsthe cover to the baby carrier. As can be seen in the drawings, thecentrally located opening 18 on the top of the cover (as opposed to thelarge opening on the bottom which allows the device to slip over the topand down and over the infant carrier) is covered by a flap 20 which hasa smaller opening 22 therein. The opening 22 has a meshed screenmaterial 24 over the opening 22 for air circulation to the infant.Removal of the flap provides full exposure of the baby to the air (seeColumn 5, lines 48+). Here, again, there is no teaching nor suggestionof any mechanism for blocking germs from gaining access to the entiretorso of a baby held in an infant carrier while allowing for air passagefor ease of breathing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,374 issued in 2004 to Kams. It shows anotherprotective cover for a baby carrier but this shield is rigid withopenings that are deliberately large to permit air flow while the“cover” (like a baseball cage) shields the child from large projectiles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,953 issued to Mackay et al. in 2001. It shows acover for an infant carrier which fully encloses the baby within thecarrier. The cover has an opening which is selectively closeable with aflap that can be removed from being secured across the opening. In thismanner, according to that inventor, the opening will allow the child tobreath easily and see out of the cover while others can see in. The '953patent indicates that flap 14 can be fleece or another material andcould include a transparent window. When the flap is closed the baby isfully protected from cold, wind, precipitation, and the sun. Here, too,there is no mention of making the entire cover disposable, nor mentionof use of breathable material which, however has sufficiently small meshopenings to block the passage of germs, bacteria, and pathogens andstill providing a window for viewing in and out through the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,505 relates to an infant diaper changing pad whichcan be folded into a variety of shapes, one of which is a cover for aninfant carrier (really a stroller; see FIGS. 5 and 6).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,184 relates to a warming cover for a child seatwhich has a removable window cover 40 to allow for an opening 25.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,791 to Facchini issued in 2002 and shows a childseat cover for protecting the child from the elements of theenvironment. The covers includes a sheet of material (not apparentlyfurther defined) having a hole near the top and allowing a “user”(really an adult or child care attendant) to extend his/her handtherethrough. The opening 13 is adapted to allow a child 21 to seethrough the hole 12. The elastic band 14 provides for tightly fittingthe sheet of material 11 about the car seat/carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,153 to Brewer, issued in 2003, shows an all weatherprotective cover for infants traveling within an infant carrier. Thecover comprises an inner layer and an outer layer and the inner layerforms mesh windows while the outer layer selectively covers the windows.FIGS. 10 and 11 show how the cover can be retracted, in part, to reveala mesh to allow for air flow into the chamber defined between the infantcarrier and the cover. The patent recites that the cover is made fromlight weight, washable, breathable, non-shear (opaque) waterresistant/repellant textile fabric. There is neither a discussion norsuggestion of making the device disposable nor to allow for air passagebut not air borne particles to pass therethrough, nor is there asuggestion of providing such a cover with a plastic viewing window.There is no teaching of an inexpensive, disposable, multi-ply orcomposite material as the germ-protective barrier for a child carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,7790 also to Brewer (issued in 2007) shows anotherinfant carrier cover made from water repellant nylon and in FIG. 4 showsthe same cover with another layer of textile material placed on top ofthe first to form a pocket when attached together at the perimeter. Thisallows for the selective carrying of diapers.

U.S. Design Patent D 559022 shows a design for an infant carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a protective barrier for use with an infantcarrier. The barrier is preferably made of a three layer or composite ofnon-woven fabric-like material, preferably in a pleated configuration.The use of pleats is intended to increase the filtering efficiency ofthe device. The configuration or shape is adapted to easily fit over aninfant carrier and, yet, the bottom edge of the barrier device iselasticized to allow for a quick tight fit around the edge of thecarrier and, yet, to allow for easy removal of the same, when desired(as when the infant is to be removed from the carrier or after theinfant has visited the risky environment). The elastic edge wraps underor is held around the perimeter of the infant carrier and helps seal thecover over the carrier. The elastic also eases the application andremoval of the barrier/cover. In an alternate embodiment, one or moreresilient rods or battens (forming the barrier into a canopy orbillowing it into an arc-like shape (like that used for children'seasily collapsible and erectable tents)) are provided into pockets onthe inside of the barrier (extending across the barrier from side toside) to ensure that the device when covering the child within thecarrier is extended or held above the child and does not cause anydiscomfort. This will ensure that the barrier not directly come intocontact with the baby's face.

The present invention is an inexpensive, disposable, multi-ply barrierwhich allows for easy air passage therethrough and, yet, the outside andinside plies are of sufficiently tight mesh (like a surgical mask) so asto block the passage of air-borne germs, pathogens or dirt. The deviceis preferably provided with a viewing window.

The present invention serves to reduce exposure for newborns to germs inpotential contaminating environments. The invention, in its preferredembodiment, is made of two separated plies of non-woven, filteringmaterial (preferably 100% water impervious, spunbond polypropylenematerial) with a middle ply (preferably of 100% meltblown polypropylenefilter media). The multiple plies will provide a protective barrierbetween the infant, housed or seated in the infant carrier, and thesurrounding areas. This will reduce the infant's exposure to airbornegerms. The protective barrier/cover is provided with a rectangularviewing window (preferably a clear flexible plastic, more preferablyvinyl of about 10 mil thickness or polyethylene) which will be “used” bythe adult carrying the infant for monitoring and visually interactingwith the infant and by the baby to maintain visual contact with the“outside” world. The barrier, even with the viewing window, prevents theundesired introduction of germs into the baby's environment and is stillconsidered inexpensive for disposal after use in a risky environment.

The present invention is preferably comprised of a breathable compositematerial or fabric (3 layers preferred; outside layers of spunbondpolypropylene and the middle layer of meltblown polypropylene). Themiddle layer has high absorbency, a reasonable wet strength and is agood barrier to microscopic particles. The outside layers are non-wovenfabric, they, too, provide good germ filtration properties (whileallowing for the passage of air) and provide the composite withsufficient tensile strength needed for such a device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a protective barrier or cover, showing theviewing window;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the invention of the protective barrieror cover for an infant carrier, showing the inwardly recessed, elasticperipheral band, useful for holding the barrier onto and around the edgeof an infant carrier; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the protective barrier orcover as it is placed onto an infant carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in the Figures, a protective barrier element or infant carriercover is provided. The protective barrier element 10 is generallyrectangularly shaped but can be formed in any suitable shape to fit andcover a transporter or infant carrier. In this embodiment, theprotective barrier element 10 has four outside edges 12, 14, 16 and 18(12 and 14 are the sides and 16 and 18 the top and bottom, respectively)and opposed and rounded corners 20, 22, 24, and 26 (proceeding clockwisefrom the top left corner) which connect between a side and its adjacenttop or bottom. Basically, the protective barrier element is in the shapeand structure of a fitted bed sheet or a shower cap in that it alsoincludes a continuous, recessed inwardly from the sides, top and bottom,elastic edge 30 (see FIG. 2). The elastic edge 30 (preferably providedby a sewn in or otherwise secured piece of elastic material) is intendedto allow the protective barrier element to be easily and quickly placedover the opening of an infant carrier (see FIG. 3) and tightly andsecurely hold the same in place. The elastic of the edge 30 should beresilient, flexible and loose enough to allow for ease of applicationand, yet, tight enough to substantially secure the barrier tightly aboutthe carrier, to prevent substantially all air from gaining access intothe interior environment (defined by the inside of the barrier element10) of the infant carrier by means other than through the material ofthe barrier. Alternatively, a drawstring (not shown) held within aperipheral or perimeter pocket can be located at edge 30 which willsimilarly allow the caregiver to place the protective barrier element 10over the infant carrier IC (See FIG. 3) and then the caregiver can pulland secure the ends of the drawstring to tighten and secure the same.Various other methods of securing the protective barrier to the infantcarrier can be employed and are considered within the scope of thepresent invention.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the selvage or extra flaparea 50, extending between the perimeter or outside edge 52 and theelastic edge 30 is but a few inches of overlap. In the preferredembodiment, the extra flap area 50 extends inwardly from the outsideedge 52 by about a total of about 10 to 30% of the overall width of theprotective barrier element. Preferably the extra flap area when thedevice is lain flat extends inwardly about the perimeter of the barrierto overlap the surface area of the front of the device.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the finishedproduct is made from a three-ply non-woven composite material. Thenon-woven composite is spunbond, meltblown and spunbond (SMS)polypropylene material. The weight of the composite makes the overalldevice lightweight, the expense is kept small so that the device isconsidered one-time use and disposable, and, yet, the device is quiteefficient for its intended purpose.

The device is preferably first cut from a rectangular piece of compositematerial (SMS) polypropylene of 30 inches wide and 42 inches in height.The composite structure can be formed by sewing the sheets togetherabout the edge, by the sewing of the elastic to the edge, or heatbonding, or other means. A window area is cut of about 9 inches inheight and 7.5 inches in width. The window is preferably located withits top edge at about 12 inches from the top edge 16 and about 10 inchesin from side edges 12 and 14. It is preferably intended that the windowbe horizontally centered. The finished window's specifications areintended to be about 7.5 inches in width and about 9 inches in height.The window is preferably transparent vinyl of about 10 mil. thickness.That, too, allows the device to be lightweight, flexible, andsubstantially financially disposable.

The outside dimensions of the finished product are intended to be about27 inches in width and 39 inches in height. The elastic is preferablysewn or otherwise secured to the inside edge of the structure at about ¼to ½ inch inwardly from the edge 30 of the product.

The window is preferably transparent, optically clear and thus even highclarity polyethylene film can be used; however, currently vinyl is thepreferred material.

The SMS composite or multi-ply is formed by layering polypropylenenonwoven meltblown material within two opposed outside layers ofnonwoven spunbond polypropylene material. The composite can be formedfrom sheets (spunbond polypropylene white preferred) obtained fromSuperior Felt & Filtration of Ingleside, Ill. (Product Code PPM62083)and sheets of meltblown polypropylene fabric (sold under tradenamesDelpore, Delguard, Desorbs meltblown fabrics, for example) alsoavailable from Superior Felt & Filtration of Ingleside, Ill. Preferablythe middle layer is 20 gsm polypropylene and the outer layers made of 14gsm polypropylene (weights).

When formed into the composite or sandwich-like construction—spunbondpolypropylene, meltblown polypropylene, and spunbond polypropylene—thecombined BFE (bacterial filtering efficiency) is thought to be 95% orbetter. This is believed to be effective at allowing air to easily passthrough it for ease of infant breathing and, yet, will serve to preventthe passage of many germs, pathogens, bacteria, viruses, parasites,fungi, etc. The preferred and identified composite is preferably of aBFE of 95% or better for filtering purposes and allows for adifferential pressure equal to or less than 4 (preferably 2).Differential pressure is a measure of the ease of air to pass from oneside to the other with the lower the number the easier passage of air.

The composite fabric is capable of absorbing about 10 to 25 times itsweight, is incinerable in that it provides only about 0.02% of ash (andthus disposal is relatively eco-friendly) and has energy value of about14 kwh/kg. The composite has a chemical resistance to degradation; has areasonable shelf or storage life which ought not to result in rot orsuffer mildew, can float and is relatively inexpensive. Air passeseasily through it and yet air-borne germs and particles are blocked frompassage (Staphylococcus and E. Coli are too big to penetrate the mesh ofthe composite).

The protective barrier element 10 is easily placed on and removed fromthe infant carrier IC (see FIG. 3). This is easily accomplished by firstplacing one corner over one corner of the infant carrier and thenplacing either an adjacent or an opposed corner over its correspondingcorner of the infant carrier IC. In turn all four corners are placedover the comers of the infant carrier and the elastic 30, beingresilient, will be initially stretched around and then snap back to holdand secure the barrier 10 directly against (at least there is anon-insignificant degree of direct contact) and over the outsideperimeter of the infant carrier. Alternatively, i.e., in an alternateembodiment, the caregiver will pull a drawstring and secure the same (byknotting or a mechanism for holding the drawstring, as are available inconnection with laundry bags) tightly such that the barrier 10 issecured over and around the infant carrier IC.

A viewing window 40 is provided to the protective barrier element. Theviewing window is optically clear, transparent, and preferably plastic(even more preferably made from venyl although polyethylene can be used,too) and thus does not allow for air or germs to pass through and, yet,it allows for the caregivers to monitor and visually interact with theinfant and the infant to see out of and through the protective barrierelement. The viewing window is preferably sewn into and covers anopening of the fabric composite, is horizontally centered and preferablyis located more towards the top of the barrier than the bottom. Thewindow is of preferred rectangular shape (with slightly curved comers)although other shapes can be employed. Its added expense is notsignificant and allows the device to be considered one-time-use anddisposable.

Thus the protective barrier element is comprised of three basicelements: the body of the cover made from a composite of preferablypolypropylene, spunbond, meltblown and spunbond; the viewing window ofvinyl; and the elastic band (preferably ¼ inch width) means ofattachment. A long piece of thin rubber, like an elongated rubber bandcan be employed as the elastic if secured to the inside edge of thedevice. The device is preferably manufactured by attaching all layersvia a heat seal, a sealed stitch, or other securing means or acombination thereof. All attachments and connections will be secure andcompleted in such a way that the integrity of the fabric and plasticwindow, as well as the elastic are held in place, while minimizing holesand/or exposure between layers and components.

Preferably, the body of the cover is made of three layers of non-wovenfiltering media, which increases the overall Bacterial FiltrationEquivalent (BFE). The non-woven material can be pleated to furtherincrease the BFE without decreasing breathability. This compositematerial is flexible enough and constructed to fit over substantiallyall standard infant carriers. The amount of material is provided so thatthe barrier fits over the top, concave cavity or opening of the infantcarrier yet with some distance between it and the infant in the infantcarrier. Although not preferred, the amount of material used can allowit, when placed over the Infant Carrier IC, to even extend and thus hangover the carrier's handles providing a draping effect. Using thisconfiguration, the baby/infant benefits from all of the filteringaspects of the device as a face mask and, yet, no portion of the devicewill come into direct contact with the skin of the infant nor are anymaterials secured too closely to the infant's face.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the outside layer isprovided with one or more width-wise extending pockets or battens whichare adapted to selectively hold flexible, arc-shaped rods to provide thedevice with a positive displacement up and above the infant carrier. Theuse of the battens and the rods is similar to that employed inconnection with canopies on infant strollers and also has had use inconnection with easily collapsible and erectable thin sheet/nylonfabric, child-friendly tents. The use of the battens or pockets and theshort rods will bow the barrier outwardly away from the infant's face.These rods can be inexpensively made of resilient plastic and thusdisposable or they can be slid into and out of the pockets and reusable.

The outer layer and innermost layer of the protective barrier element 10are preferably made of 100% spunbond polypropylene which is a versatilefabric. It is substantially moisture resistant, and will help toresist/repel moisture droplets naturally found in the air and generatedfrom the hand of the adult carrying the carrier. That layer of materialis very light weight, flexible for folding and transporting in a smallvolume, and durable. Spunbond polypropylene is difficult to accidentallypuncture during normal wear and tear and is light enough to not add toomuch weight relative to the infant carrier and the infant. Since thematerial is made of 100% polypropylene with no fillers or addedingredients, it is not harmful to the environment and when discardedafter use, it is easily recycled.

The middle layer of the three layer composite material for theprotective barrier element 10 is preferably made of 100% meltblownpolypropylene, which is often used as the filtering layer in surgicalface masks. This non-woven material provides added filtration capabilityand moisture absorbency. It is thin, lightweight, and difficult topuncture with normal wear and tear. It is free of additives and istherefore also an environmentally-friendly material.

Sturdy elastic is preferably attached to the inside edge of the device(See FIG. 2). The elastic being inherently resilient is intended toallow for a snug fit of the protective barrier element 10 to many infantcarriers. The elastic ensures that there are minimal if any air gapsbetween the infant carrier and the protective barrier element when thedevice is placed over the carrier, even with an infant or newborn placedwithin the carrier. The use of elastic will ensure a proper fit, whichwill aid in limiting unintended direct exposure to the air and thereforereduce contact with the airborne germs of the outside environment.

Preferably, the viewing window is made of clear, flexible material,preferably vinyl of about 10 mil thickness. It does not allow for air topass therethrough (hence its small relative size) and, yet, of course,it is a window and thus allows for light to pass through it. The plasticviewing window is attached to the fabric via the use of a non-toxic glueor suitable adhesive or sewing procedure. It can be sealed, heat sealedor stitched, too.

In use, a child is placed into the infant carrier. When the child is tobe transported into a potentially contaminating or perceived risky (froma contaminants or germ perspective) environment and the caregiver wantsto take advantage of the protective aspects of the present invention,he/she will then place the protective barrier element over the infantcarrier with the child therein. The elastic will allow the caregiver toquickly and easily place the protective barrier element over the infantwithin the infant carrier. When properly placed, the viewing window willbasically align and be superimposed over the head and eyes of the infantheld within the carrier. The handle of the infant carrier isconventionally capable of assuming two positions, one where the handleforms a back-supporting leg to hold the carrier on a flat surface (thechild being held in a recliner-like seat) and the other where the handleswings into a position over and above the infant so that the caregivercan use the handle of the carrier as a transporting handle, i.e., thecaregiver holds it at its center and can easily carry infant carrier andinfant, laying or sitting in the carrier, from location to location—thecarrier being a mini-cradle. According to the invention, the protectivebarrier element is large enough to extend fully over the shell of thecarrier. In an alternate embodiment the carrier can even extend abovethe handle when the handle is in its above-the-carrier (serving as ahandle) position. Alternatively, of course, the user can simply drapethe barrier element below the handle and thus the handle can swing fromone position to the other without difficulty. In this configuration,however, it may be desirable, to keep the barrier away from the face ofthe child, for one or more of the discussed battens and flexible, arcshaped rods to be employed. This provides the device with an outwardlybowed or convex configuration (the latter as seen by the caregiver) andthus the window and the barrier are positively separated from the baby'sface.

In the preferred embodiment, the barrier rests above the infant in theinfant carrier but is not so bulky as to extend over the handle.However, in an alternate embodiment, the barrier extends above thehandle. The tension of the elastic of the protective barrier element canbe adjusted either by the manufacturer to size the same for a particularmodel or make of infant carrier or the elastic can be sufficient so thatthe device accommodates different size and shape infant carriers. Also,a mechanism can be provided to the consumer to adjust the resiliency ofthe elastic so that it is basically flat and snug against the outsideand bottom of the carrier. If there is extra material, it is then pulledupwardly and adjusted so that it is bunched below or near the handle,allowing for a secure grip around the excess fabric (if provided) whichis now near the handle. Of course, the preferred embodiment has theright amount of material, no more no less, for enveloping the opening ofthe infant carrier, with no excess to be bunched up and yet enoughmaterial to keep the same away from the child's face. With the childwithin the infant carrier and the protective barrier element protectingthe child, the carrier, infant and protective barrier element can becarried into the potentially contaminating or risky environment. Oncethe visit to that environment is completed, the caregiver can simply andquickly remove the protective barrier element and it can be disposed ofin a proper receptacle. The present invention is intended to be usedshort term, is inexpensive, and thus intended to be disposable fromenvironment to environment.

With respect to the materials, construction, and dimensions, the abovedescribed device is that of the preferred embodiment. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the optimum dimensions, weight, BFE of materials,construction, etc. can vary as required for costs, durability, function,disposability, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciatethat there are many changes which can be implemented beyond thosedescribed herein which, nevertheless, still fall within the scope of theinvention.

The above description of the preferred embodiments and the deviceillustrated in the Figures is meant to be illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention and its construction, manufacture, use anddisposal. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose of skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention tothat described herein nor to the exact construction and materials,dimensions, etc., it should clearly be understood that the scope of theinvention is defined by the claims of the invention as interpreted bythe Courts.

1. A protective barrier element for an infant carrier comprising: a) aninfant carrier cover comprised of substantially germ-impervious,non-woven material which allows for air passage therethrough; b) aviewing window; and c) a holding mechanism for selectively andresiliently securing said cover to an infant carrier to substantiallyprovide a sealed environment for an infant carried by said infantcarrier.
 2. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid holding mechanism is elastic, secured proximal to the edge of saidcover.
 3. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid cover is made of a three layered composite of nonwoven materialformed of polypropylene.
 4. A protective element as claimed in claim 3wherein the top and bottom layer of said composite is spunbondpolypropylene.
 5. A protective layer as claimed in claim 3 wherein themiddle layer of said composite is meltblown polypropylene.
 6. Aprotective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewingwindow is vinyl.
 7. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1wherein the cover is provided with an inwardly extending overlap ofmaterial in comparison to the perimeter edge.
 8. A protective barrierelement as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is provided withsufficient material to allow said cover to extend around the edge of aninfant carrier and over the carrying handle thereof.
 9. A protectivebarrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewing window ishorizontally centered and configured closer to the top of said coverthan the bottom.
 10. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1wherein said non-woven material provides a BFE of no less than about95%.
 11. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidholding mechanism is a drawstring secured in a perimeter pocket andprovided with a tightening mechanism which allows for tightening of theelement around an infant carrier and selective loosening for removal.12. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising one or more battens and corresponding rods held in saidbatten(s) for providing a bowed-out configuration to said barrierelement when the same is provided over an infant carrier.
 13. Aprotective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidsubstantially germ-impervious, non-woven material comprises asandwich-like composite of spunbond, meltblown, and spunbondpolypropylene material with a BFE of no less than about 95%.
 14. Aprotective barrier element as claimed in claim 13 wherein the compositehas a differential pressure of no more than about
 4. 15. A protectivebarrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-woven materialhas a differential pressure on no more than about
 4. 16. A protectivebarrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-woven materialhas a differential pressure of about
 2. 17. A protective barrier elementas claimed in claim 15 wherein said non-woven material has a BFE ofabout 95%.
 18. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 16wherein said non-woven material has a BFE of about 95%.
 19. A protectivebarrier element as claimed in claim 12 wherein said batten(s) extendacross the width of said material.
 20. A protective barrier element asclaimed in claim 12 wherein said rods are removable from said battens.